We’re back at Disney Springs to sample the Flavors of Florida! Once again, we find ourselves at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ to see if this year’s offerings can top 2023!
Last year, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ offered a shrimp cocktail as part of the Flavors of Florida. It was quite good, so it was a little disappointing to hear that this year, we’d be getting something a lot less fancy.
The Tampa-style Cuban Sandwich served with BBQ kettle chips should have been a hit. As a Tampa native, I’m used to getting this particular sandwich from locally owned shops, and they’re always good, even if they use shredded pork rather than pulled.
This was my first time having a Cuban, and I thought, “Why am I tasting absolutely nothing?!” One culprit is that the pork is smoked instead of being mojo-marinated and roasted. The smoked meat was a tad dry, too.
The other conspirator in the blandness is the mustard. While it was undoubtedly there based on the color, it was so subtle that you could barely taste it. Even the sliced pickles lacked any savoriness.
Oddly, the BBQ kettle chips were the same. You’d be better off bringing your own bag of Lay’s from B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.
Finding typically flavorful foods somewhat muted at Walt Disney World isn’t uncommon. Over the years, some sit-down restaurants have toned down the spices to appeal to a broader array of guests. This makes sense, but don’t call something a “Tampa-style” Cuban and not deliver.
Now, the Dragon fruit Mojito was a different story. It’s made with “Bacardi Light Rum, dragon fruit, prickly pear simple syrup, and fresh mint.”
There’s an emphasis on the light part of the rum. I couldn’t taste it, but it still was flavorful. Dragon fruit itself, while having a distinctive taste, isn’t intense. So, using the prickly pear gives you the impression of the colorful fruit.
More than anything, you’ll taste the mint expected from a mojito. Even if you’re not a fan of this particular cocktail, it makes for a nice table decoration while you enjoy all the other great food Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ has to offer.
For more food reviews from the Flavors of Florida, click here!
Pirates & Princesses (TM) (Stylized as PNP) is an independent, opinionated News and Information site focused on Travel, Entertainment, Fashion, the “Geek Girl” Lifestyle, and more. We focus heavily on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando Resort, and other themed entertainment and travel destinations. Our news staff includes former theme park and entertainment industry employees, journalists and dedicated pop culture and theme park enthusiasts. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of this site, our affiliates or our sponsors.